CHAPTER 197 Escaped
*Sebastian*
While Xavier gave out instructions, I tried contacting De Luca through his cell, praying for a miracle he'd answer his phone, but each attempt proved futile. Every time I redialed his number, it would beep and go straight to voice mail.
After several failed attempts, I dialed his burner, but the same thing happened. It beeped and went to voice mail too.
I was about to text him, but decided against it. If someone had his phone, they could trace the message back to me and our cover would be blown.
I had to go to Bismarck. There was no other way. Even though it was highly likely the worst had already happened, I had to cling to hope.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Cristos unzip his jacket, his face flushed, his anger simmering in his eyes. I knew what he was thinking.... That he was right and I was wrong.
Thankfully, he kept mum, knowing that playing the blame game couldn't fix anything.
Once Xavier was finished with his instructions, he turned to me, his eyes hopeful. "Any luck?"
"No. Even his burner's off," I answered, dismayed. "Dina, I need you to do a trace on De Luca's cell."
"I already have, Domenico," Dina quickly replied. "It pinged at the same location as the GPS of the van."
"Shit!" I exclaimed, feeling angry, frustrated, and useless. "They're probably using a jamming device."
"You have a point. Any luck with Lou, Dina?" Chip asked to confirm our suspicions.
"No, Primo," Dina replied. "My calls go straight to voice mail."
"There are more people in play here," Xavier groaned. "My guess, it's the Black Hawks. Dom, we better get going. Chip, keep us posted."
Cristos nodded his head. "I will."
I placed a hand on Cristos' shoulder, my face apologetic.
"Sorry, if I didn't listen to you, but look at it my way. We all make mistakes. De Luca included," I explained hastily.
Cristos reciprocated, placing a hand on my shoulder as well. "I understand, Dom. I hope it's not too late."
I nodded my head, grateful for his optimism. I was about to voice out my gratitude when Dina spoke.
"Primo, Liam and Noah are within the vicinity of the hospital."
*Great*...
"Promise me you won't leave her side," I begged.
"Dom, you can count on me," Cristos promised.
Satisfied, I turned to where our cars were parked. "Bo, let's go. De Luca needs our help."
"Tell Virtue... we'll be back in time for her wedding," Xavier said, waving his goodbyes before running ahead of me.
After starting the car, Xavier opened the center console and handed me a phone. "This is a burner," he explained. "Send a text message to De Luca's phones. Text, "To anyone who finds this phone, contact this number for a thousand dollar reward."
"Good plan."
"It's only good if someone contacts us," he pointed out, maneuvering his way onto the busy street. "Let's hope someone does."
___________________
*Cristos*
With a heavy heart, I watched my two Blood Disciple brothers drive away, knowing that this could have been prevented. But there was a silver lining to all this... Sebastian had learned a valuable lesson.
However, this wasn't how I wanted it to be.
As I slowly walked up the front steps of St. Elizabeth's, I prayed this was all a misunderstanding. They'll arrive there only to find De Luca stuck in a traffic jam with Pete still unconscious and chained to the van.
"Chip!" I heard a male voice call out from behind. I turned around to find Dan rushing toward me with Liam and the Sheriff following suit. "Are you okay? You look... troubled." The corner of my lips turned upward into a feeble smile.
"I'll be fine once I see Virtue," I replied. And it was true. Being with the love of my life always made me happy. "Jack said she hurt her ankle, poor thing. I hope she didn't break anything."
"I hope so too. I don't want to postpone the wedding," Liam smirked. I turned my head in his direction and glared.
"This is all your fault, Liam," I growled, redirecting my anger at him. "You were supposed to take care of her. What the hell happened?!"
"Whoa, Chip! Don't get mad at him. It was my fault," Dan exclaimed, shielding Liam with his body. "I was with her, but we got separated during the stampede."
"Stop defending him, Dan. His fiancé is in the hospital and all he can think about is the wedding," I chided. "He isn't the least bit concerned."
"He wouldn't be here if he wasn't... concerned," Dan pointed out. Before I could say anything else, he placed his arm around mine and pulled me away from Liam. "Come on. Let's find out which room she's in."
I took a deep breath, steadying my nerves. Now that I was able to let go of some of that pent-up anger from earlier, I felt my anxiety begin to bubble up to the surface.
I was at the mercy of Liam, the Blue Rogues and the Angels of Death.
Sure, Jake was here and I was armed, but we were clearly outnumbered. It was unsettling.
*I needed to devise a plan*.
While we were waiting for the nurse to give us Joy's room number, Dina's voice popped up again to my consternation.
"Primo, I have gotten in contact with Lou," Dina hurriedly informed me. "Apparently, the van hit a post. According to some witnesses, three people exited the van from the back and entered an alley. Lou and Max are currently looking for them."
*Three*?
"Uhm, Dan I need to use the restroom," I lied, disentangling myself from the grip he had on my arm.
"Sure. We'll just see you upstairs, room 402," Dan said cheerfully. "Get something for her at the gift shop, will you? Since you two are close, you know what she likes."
"Okay," I muttered absentmindedly.
"Chip, is something wrong?" Liam asked me, his grey eyes noticing my distress.
*Shit*. *I needed to put on a show*.
"Well, one I need to pee. Two, I'm worried about the pub. I only have a skeleton crew handling the ginormous crowd that's hold up in there. And lastly, my bestfriend is in the hospital thanks to you," I snapped, tapping my foot impatiently. "So, yes, there is something definitely wrong."
"Sorry I asked. Sheesh," Liam scoffed. "Go and do your business. We'll see you upstairs."
"Excuse me, then," I snarled, shoving him aside so I could pass. Without looking back, I dashed to the men's bathroom, entered, and locked the door.
I knew Virtue would be safe with both Liam and the Sheriff present. Even Noah wouldn't dare move a hair on Virtue's head with the both of them there.
Once I confirmed that no one else was in the bathroom with me, I spoke. "Three men, Dina? Three men left the van?"
"Not exactly, Primo," Dina answered. "According to witnesses, a man and a woman were seen assisting an old man from the van."
*God damn it*! *Pete has escaped*!
"Alert Autumn and Emma, Dina. Tell them their lives are in danger."
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